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Where was my heart to flee for refuge from my heart? Whither was I to fly, where I would not follow? In what place should I not be prey to myself?
Saint Augustine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the struggle of the self and the inescapability of one's emotions and thoughts.

In this quote, Saint Augustine expresses a profound inner conflict, illustrating how one cannot escape from oneself. It suggests that no matter where one might seek refuge or solace, the burdens and turmoil of the heart and mind travel with them, emphasizing the complexity of human emotions and the challenge of finding peace within.

Themes

HeartRefugeSelfEmotionsInner Conflict

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about self-acceptance.

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Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times.
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Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
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Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
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